Reaction of chromium with acids

Chromium metal dissolves in dilute hydrochloric acid to form solutions containing the aquated Cr(II) ion together with hydrogen gas, H2. In practice, the Cr(II) is present as the complex ion [Cr(OH2)6]2+. Similar results are seen for sulphuric acid but pure samples of chromium may be resistant to attack. Chromium metal does not react with nitric acid, HNO3 and in fact is passivated.

Cr(s) + 2HCl(aq) → Cr2+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq) + H2(g)

Reaction of chromium with bases

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